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- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water - Sesame seeds for garnish - Sliced green onions for garnish In this savory sesame ginger beef stir fry, the main ingredients create a balanced dish. The flank steak offers a tender and juicy base, while the ginger and garlic add a warm depth. Fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas bring color and crunch. For the sauce, we blend soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. This mix gives the dish a sweet, tangy flavor. The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce, making it cling to the beef and veggies perfectly. Finally, the garnishes—sesame seeds and green onions—add a nice crunch and a pop of color. These simple ingredients come together to create a fast and tasty meal. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to marinate the beef. Take 1 pound of flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain. This helps make it tender. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Cover the bowl and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend into the meat. Next, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then, add the marinated beef to the pan in an even layer. Sear the beef for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You want it to turn golden brown and just cook through. Once done, carefully remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Now, it’s time for the veggies! In the same pan, add 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 julienned red bell pepper, and 1 cup of trimmed snap peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes. Toss them often to ensure they cook evenly. You want them vibrant and tender-crisp, not mushy. Once the veggies are ready, return the seared beef to the wok. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a cornstarch slurry made from 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Pour this sauce over the beef and veggies. Toss continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. This will coat everything well and bring all the flavors together. To get the best flavor, avoid overcooking the vegetables. Cook them just until they are bright and crisp. This keeps them sweet and healthy. Stir-fry them quickly on high heat. It takes about 3-4 minutes. For a good sear on the beef, use high heat and a hot pan. Make sure the beef is in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan. This helps create a nice brown crust. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove the beef when it is golden. If you can’t find flank steak, use sirloin or ribeye instead. These cuts are tender and cook well in stir-fries. You can also try chicken or tofu for a different taste. Feel free to change up the vegetables too. Try carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy. Mix and match to your taste. Just keep the cooking time in mind so everything cooks evenly. Pair this stir-fry with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Jasmine rice is a great choice and adds a nice touch. You can also serve it on top of noodles for a fun twist. For an eye-catching presentation, serve it in big bowls. Place a fluffy scoop of rice or quinoa at the bottom. Top with the stir-fry and sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onions on top. This makes it look beautiful and tastes great! Pro Tips Marinating Matters: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor infusion, or overnight for maximum tenderness. High Heat is Key: Always stir-fry over high heat to achieve that signature sear and keep the vegetables crisp. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and taste; frozen alternatives may become mushy. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to suit your taste! {{image_4}} Gluten-free options You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but does not contain wheat. Check your honey to ensure it is gluten-free. Vegetarian version For a vegetarian option, swap the flank steak for tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water and cut it into cubes. Marinate it just like the beef. Stir-fry until crispy for a tasty, meat-free meal. Adding spice with chili flakes If you like heat, add chili flakes. Sprinkle them into the stir-fry while cooking. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. This will give your dish a delightful kick. Experimenting with different sauces Feel free to change the sauce. Try adding hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for depth. You can also mix in a splash of sriracha for extra zest. Each sauce will give a new twist to your stir-fry. To store your savory sesame ginger beef stir fry, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents leaks. You can enjoy the stir fry for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you know when to eat it. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the stir fry cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can use a skillet on medium heat. Stir frequently until hot. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, your stir fry stays tasty and ready to enjoy! How can I make this recipe spicier? You can add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili. Start with a small amount. Adjust to your taste. Another option is to use hot sauce in the sauce mix. Adding these will give your dish a nice kick. What can I use instead of sesame oil? If you don't have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or peanut oil. These oils have a high smoke point and work well for stir-frying. While they won't have the same flavor, your dish will still taste great. What is the total cooking time for this dish? The total cooking time for Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry is about 30 minutes. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Is Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry healthy? Yes, this stir fry is healthy. It has lean beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. The broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas add vitamins and minerals. You can adjust the honey to reduce sugar if needed. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry. We talked about key ingredients like flank steak, fresh veggies, and a delicious sauce. You learned the step-by-step process for marinating and cooking. I shared helpful tips for perfecting your dish and offered variations for different diets. Remember, keeping your vegetables crisp and experimenting with flavors can really enhance your stir fry. Enjoy making this meal, and feel free to customize it to suit your taste!

Savory Sesame Ginger Beef Stir-Fry

A delicious stir-fry featuring tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sesame ginger sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish
  • to taste sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
  • Heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef to the pan in an even layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Carefully remove the beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same pan, add the broccoli florets, julienned red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently until they are vibrant in color and tender-crisp.
  • Once the vegetables are cooked, return the seared beef to the wok. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing continuously for about 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  • Remove the pan from heat and garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, serve over jasmine rice or quinoa and top with extra sesame seeds and green onions.
Keyword beef, ginger, quick meal, sesame, stir-fry